What to know before buying an electric car

Posted: Oct 18, 2017 02:07 PM CDT

Updated: Oct 18, 2017 02:07 PM CDT

Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular, but many consumers still have limited exposure to them and a lot of questions. Find out what you need to know about electric vehicles (EVs) before purchasing one.

What is the difference between a hybrid and an electric car?

There are two basic kinds of EVs: vehicles that run entirely on electricity and hybrids that can run on electricity for a limited distance before switch to gas/electric hybrid mode. There are about two dozen models on the market now, but forecasters predict this number will triple in the next five years.

EVs use far less energy than gasoline-powered cars and generally cost about a third as much to run. They also have fewer maintenance costs, which will save you big bucks in the long run. Additionally, EVs produce no tailpipe emissions, which is great for the environment and cuts way back on harmful greenhouse emissions.

Electric cars are also much quieter than gasoline-powered cars because they don't have engine noise.

Finally, you can charge an EV at home, making it much more convenient than a traditional car that you have to drive to a gas station to fill up.

What are the cons of buying an electric car?

The up-front cost of EVs usually deters many buyers. Electric cars and hybrids are typically much more expensive than traditional gasoline-powered cars.Overtime, you save money on fuel costs and maintenance, but the sticker price usually scares many consumers.

Also, EV owners need to have ready access to an outlet and a spot for overnight charging. This can be very problematic and pose an issue to those living in apartments and condos.

Whether an electric car is right for you depends on your lifestyle and how much you drive. These are all important things to consider when making this decision.